Padres Post for Third Sunday of Epiphany of the Lord (January 8, 2023)

Today we continue in our celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas with the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Today’s solemnity celebrates the search of all peoples and all nations for God, unveiled in the Magi’s visit from the east. The Magi are sometimes referred to as the three kings.

At the Lord’s Epiphany, the Magi honor Jesus with three gifts. The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh reveal that he is king for all people. Jesus is the Messiah for Israel, Son of God and Savior of the World. As we reflect on the days of Christmas, we might ask ourselves, who did we travel to see, friends and family? Who did we welcome into our home? We may make a trip near or far or welcome our loved ones at Christmas. It is important for us to gather in love, the love revealed to us in the Holy Family at Bethlehem.

Monday, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. In the Gospel for this feast, we come to know the Blessed Trinity. As Jesus comes out of the water of the River Jordan, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit rests upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven says, “This is my beloved Son.” At Jesus’ Baptism, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit reveal to us that Jesus is the Son of God.

The Blessed Trinity, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one God in three persons. Even though Jesus revealed this truth to us, the Trinity is a mystery that our human minds cannot grasp. We proclaim this truth in the Creed and honor the Blessed Trinity in prayer, in word and in action when the Sign of the Cross is made in the form of the cross using the words, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that "the full number of the nations" now takes its "place in the family of the patriarchs", and acquires Israelitica dignitas (is made "worthy of the heritage of Israel"). (CCC 528)

Baptism is the beginning of our Christian life and marks each of us in a sacred way belonging to Christ, making us a member of the one, holy, and apostolic church. The invisible sign or mark received in Baptism and again in Confirmation is called the “character.” Because the character is permanent, Baptism and Confirmation are received only once. When baptized in the name of the Trinity, we believe in one Baptism only. A non-Catholic Christian may call himself a “born-again” Catholic. For the most part, we do not use this term.

Baptism is a one-time action that is not necessarily limited to the baptismal rite. For Catholics, Baptism's rebirth is not a one-time event but a lifelong process through which we continually strive to die to sin and rise to new life in Christ. For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism begins our life in Christ, life in the Church, not a symbol that we belong to a particular church (community) or location. Catholics are indeed born again in Baptism and are called to a lifetime of holiness. Each soul (Catholic) has the personal responsibility to renew this call daily through personal prayer and public worship, using the Word of God, regularly receiving the Sacraments of the Church and participating in the Ministry of Charity.

Thanks to so many of our parish family who made the Season of Advent and these days of Christmas blessed and beautiful. It takes many parishioners to prepare for the celebration of the Christmas Mystery. Thanks to all who made these seasons special and memorable for all. Also, thank you to everyone for the many cards, received greetings, gifts and good wishes – your thoughtfulness is a humble sign of your care and affection and much appreciated. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with him, including the fact that he was born to die for us. I pray that you enjoy a New Year overflowing with the joy that only God can provide.

Have a blessed week ahead!